Beacon Recycling is planning an expansion at its Muskegon facility.
Beacon Recycling is launching a transformative project to bolster its metal recycling capabilities and sustainability efforts in West Michigan.
The Muskegon company, which recycles metals, paper, and plastic, is planning a 80,000-square-foot renovation at its facility, at 1241 E. Keating Avenue, which will include advancements in infrastructure and operations.
The expansion project is anticipated to generate a total capital investment of $17.5 million and create 36 jobs, doubling the company’s current workforce.
The first phase will center around the installation of a state-of-the-art metal shredder machine. This addition will revolutionize the efficiency of Beacon Recycling's metal sorting process, significantly reducing the quantity of metal directed to scrap yards.
The second phase of this expansion is establishing a Materials Services division dedicated to sorting, preparing, and scrutinizing metals for re-use. This division will specialize in the testing of metal quality, ensuring that the recycled materials meet exacting standards. The reprocessed metals will then be reintroduced to foundries for re-melting, culminating in a closed-loop recycling system that minimizes waste and maximizes efficiency.
Support from economic development agency
"Beacon Recycling is celebrating our 25th year of business and excited to continue our history of successful growth in West Michigan,” says Grant Bolhuis, Beacon CEO.
“We look forward to continuing to grow our recycling capabilities and footprint and appreciate the support from the city of Muskegon, as well as the MEDC, to make these projects become a reality."
Beacon is a metal, paper, and plastic recycling company that provides a single-source solution to sustainable scrap management clients. The company serves customers in a wide range of industries including automotive, aerospace, food processing, advanced manufacturing, furniture, and medical devices. Headquartered in Muskegon with an additional location in Traverse City, it has 35 employees.
Greater Muskegon Economic Development (GMED) is assisting Beacon Recycling’s expansion, says Marla Schneider, GMED president/CEO.
“This expansion is a testament to Muskegon’s commitment to fostering environmentally responsible practices within West Michigan,” Schneider says. “We're dedicated to working with companies that are driving positive change and creating a more sustainable future for our community.”
The expansion is to be completed in the third quarter of 2026 and the company will receive a combined incentive package of nearly $2.5 million from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, West Michigan Works!, and the city of Muskegon.
“The city of Muskegon is grateful for this substantial investment from Beacon Recycling, a long-standing corporate partner in our community,” says Jake Eckholm, director of development services for the city of Muskegon. “These 36 new full-time, well-paid positions and nearly $18 million of facilities and equipment investment are another example of Beacon making consistent investments in Muskegon.”
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